Malacañang: Romualdez resignation acceptable to preserve House integrity

Malacañang has stated that House Speaker Martin Romualdez's resignation would be acceptable if it serves to preserve the integrity of the House of Representatives and allow for a free investigation.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro mentioned that Romualdez's resignation would be acceptable if the reason is to save the institution's integrity, especially since his name was mentioned in certain issues.

Castro emphasized that Romualdez will not be shielded from accountability, whether he steps down or remains in power, and that he met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday.

President Marcos stated that Romualdez and his allies "will not be spared" in an independent probe on flood control projects.

However, groups like Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) argue that Romualdez's resignation is insufficient for true accountability, demanding that all involved individuals face imprisonment.

These groups also criticized the idea of "pretend investigations" and leadership reshuffles as inadequate responses to the alleged corruption in flood control projects.

Romualdez has denied the allegations, calling the claims of receiving kickbacks "false and malicious."